[Application of CPAP improves oxygenation during normobaric and hypobaric hypoxia].

This pilot project was performed to investigate the possible application of a portable CPAP helmet (continuous positive airway pressure) to treat high altitude diseases. Arterial oxygen saturation increased from 80.6 +/- 3.4 % to 90.6 +/- 3.8 % (p < 0.01, n = 14) when using the CPAP helmet (PEEP (positive endexpiratory pressure): 10-15 cm H2O) in normobaric hypoxia (FiO2 12.9 +/- 0.4 %, corresponding to about 4300 m). Furthermore arterial oxygen saturation was enhanced (88.1 +/- 1.9 % to 93.5 +/- 3.0 %; p < 0.01, n = 11) at real altitude (3150 m) after a 20 minute application of the CPAP helmet. There was a correlation between differences in PaCO2 and arterial oxygen saturation during CPAP (R = -0.97, p < 0.01, n = 6). Further studies are needed to determine the effectiveness, its mechanisms in context with altitude diseases, and the applicability of this treatment under extreme environmental conditions.